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Diagnosis is a requirement in many instances to obtain medications and services. Professionals diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder based on criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The diagnosis is then translated into the required International Statistical Classification of Diseases and
Related Health Problems, tenth revision (ICD-10) code. This code is needed for reimbursement and reporting.
There are significant changes in the structure and labels within the DSM-5. It appears that the newly defined Autism Spectrum Disorder is much more narrow and specific. For some individuals a diagnosis of Language Disorder or Social (Pragmatic) Language Disorder may more closely describe the characteristics of an individual.
Please consult these publications for specific criteria and pertinent information.
DSM-5: Autism Spectrum Disorder
DSM-5: Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
DSM-5: Language Disorder
DSM-5: Selective Mutism
DSM-5: Social Anxiety Disorder
DSM-5: General Anxiety Disorder
DSM-5: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
DSM-5: ADHD
DSM-5: Reactive Attachment Disorder
ICD-10
DSM-5: Social Anxiety Disorder 300.23
315.39Individuals with this diagnosis usually display behaviors in five areas. Behaviors may occur in varying degrees and often with unique aspects characteristic of the individual.
Fear or Anxiety in Social Situations:
- This individual may have fear or anxiety in social situations where he or she may be scrutinized by others. This person may have difficulty with conversations or meeting new people. This person may not want to be watched while eating or drinking. Giving a speech may be a particularly difficult task.
- These individuals may fear how they will be judged by others. They may worry that something they do will be seen in a negative light or will be offensive. They may worry that acting anxious or fearful will cause them to be embarrassed or humiliated.
- This person may almost always be fearful and anxious in the same situation.
- This person may almost always avoid the difficult situation or endure the experience with extreme fear and anxiety .
- This person may have greater fear and anxiety of a situation than it's potential threat would entail.
Differential Diagnosis:
- Other disorders to consider are Agoraphobia, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, Selective Mutism, Major Depressive Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Delusional Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, personality disorders, other mental disorders, other medical conditions, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder..
The American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5):
- Please consult this publication for additional information regarding specific criteria for this diagnosis, severity specifications, differential diagnosis, comorbidity, and other pertinent aspects of the disorder.
ICD-10 code: F40.1 Social phobias
